Dreams about fish might seem random. But surprisingly, they are not! Like many images that appear in the ocean of your subconscious mind, fish could stand for several things that hint at emotional life, and physical and spiritual alignment.
Fish dreams are usually interesting. One minute you’re at sea catching the biggest fish, the next minute you dream of cooking or eating these aquatic animals.
But sometimes, these dreams can be very unsettling, especially if they involve dead fish or fish-eating you.
Nevertheless, this article will help you understand your vision. Here, we will look at common fish dream symbolism and decipher the meanings of fish dreams.
What Does It Mean to Dream of Fish
When fish appear in your dreamscape, they reflect your subconscious desires and fears. They also point to your open-mindedness and deeper emotional connection with the physical and material worlds.
These aquatic animals have held a sacred place in the heart of many cultures and religions worldwide. Besides being a source of food, their presence carries deep meanings.
For instance, Asians and North Americans consider fish a good omen. They believe fish symbolizes creation, life, growth, and progress.
To the Chinese, fish stands for harmony, balancing of emotions, and peace. On the other hand, the Japanese associate fish with themes like endurance, courage, and strength of mind.
Fish could appear in your dreams to draw your attention to your psychic powers and spiritual nature or feelings and thoughts you’re yet to acknowledge consciously.
However, the precise meaning of your dream will boil down to your personal story, the context that the fish appears in your dream, and the situation you’re currently facing. Your feelings and association with these creatures will also come in handy during interpretation.
On that note, let’s look at the common symbols fish might stand for in your dreams.
Fish Dream Symbolism
1. Wealth and Prosperity
In Chinese culture, the fish symbolizes luck and wealth. The reason being, the term “fish” shares the same pronunciation as the term “richness”. In Japanese culture, fish also represents wealth, especially Koi fish.
Therefore, your dream of a fish could mean you will gain lots of wealth soon. Maybe your investments will eventually pay off. Or perhaps you will get a vast sum of inheritance from your parents, grandparents, or someone you don’t even know.
You will also enjoy progress and growth in your life. Problems in your life will become a thing of the past and you will see growth and success in your life like never before.
2. Fertility/ Pregnancy
Most cultures like the Native Americas usually pass their history, knowledge, and experiences from one generation to another through symbols and signs. Fish is one of those symbols.
The native people of America believed fish comes from nature and it’s the main sustenance for people. As such, it symbolizes fertility and prosperity.
It’s normal for most pregnant women to see fish in their dream. The fish lays hundred, if not thousands, of eggs. These aquatic creatures create a new life on a large scale. That explains why some people consider it a symbol of creation, nurturance, and pregnancy.
3. Change and Transformation
Fish constantly transform their body shape as they shift habitats. They also forge new behavior to adapt to changing surroundings. Because of this, they often symbolize change and transition.
When a fish appears in your dream, it signifies the hidden knowledge that one can only access via exploration. It shows your desire for knowledge, a journey that might lead you down an unfamiliar path.
The dream also stands for radical change, considering fish live in water that represents alteration and modification.
Such dreams remind you to stay open-minded and embrace change and transformation, since they’re inevitable. Who knows! Maybe change is what you need in your life to achieve your goals.
4. Opportunities and Growth
Fish popping in your dreams is a sign of endless opportunities. The universe has already provided you with everything you need to succeed. What’s remaining is for you to leverage the right opportunities at the right time.
The dream is your subconscious mind telling you that you will reach your goals with the right mindset, patience, and determination.
However, a dead fish in your dreams warns you of missed opportunities and wrong choices in your coming life.
5. Forgiveness
Did you wrong someone in the past? Or are you holding a grudge against someone for something they did?
Well, this dream reminds you to ask for forgiveness or forgive those who have caused you pain. We understand forgiving is difficult, but it’s high time you let go of the anger or resentment.
Holding on is taxing to your physical and emotional life. Why don’t you ease that burden by letting go of the grudge? Trust us! You will feel much better when you do it.
Biblical Meaning of Fish in Dream
Fish appears in many places in the Gospels. In Mathew 14:13-21, Jesus fed 5,000 people with fish and five loaves of bread. For this reason, Christians view fish as a symbol of nourishment and generosity.
In the bible, fish also represents fortune and financial blessing. Matthew 17:25-27 tells the story of Jesus sending peter to go fishing in a lake. When Peter opened the mouth of the fish, he found a four-drachma coin, which he uses to pay for the temple tax.
Don’t forget, the bible refers to Jesus and his disciples as “Fishers of Men”. In this context, the fish stands for men, and the ocean symbolizes the vast abyss of sin.
At the beginning of Christianity, most people got persecuted. For this reason, Christians had to come up with a way to hide their practice. They chose fish, referred to as “ichthys” by Greeks, as their secret code.
Many Christians saw the term “ICHTHYS” as an acronym for Iesous Christos Theou Yeos Soter. In English, the acronym means Jesus Christ Son of God, Savior. Using this code, believers could identify meeting points, tombs, and each other.
Spiritual Meaning of Fish in Dream
The universe is constantly sending us a message via our guardian angels and spirit animals. As a spirit animal, fish passes the message of hope from the universe.
When you’re facing a particular challenge in your life that you can’t solve, you might see a fish in your dream. The aquatic animal encourages you not to give up. See the challenges as an opportunity rather than an obstacle in your life. This positive view will help you figure out a solution faster.
The fish in your dream might empower you to make the right decisions. It’s also a metaphor for your psychic abilities. The dream is a sign that you are about to reach your full potential as an intuitive empath or psychic medium.
The fish can also represent your spiritual side. When you dream of a fish, it’s usually because you need some help with your spiritual growth or development. You may also be trying to find what your soul is looking for in this lifetime.
Furthermore, if you dream of eating fish as well, the dream is trying to bring certain aspects of your unconscious mind to your attention. Your dream self may be asking for help with something you have been ignoring or struggling with.
22 Examples of Dreams About Fish
Dream of Catching Fish
Catching a fish in your dream world is a sign of success in the future. Most likely, you will shift to a more profitable career or get married. Either way, you’re in for a treat. The dream could also mean you’re stuck in a moment and you need to move on or let it pass.
If your catch slips away, you’re likely to lose what you’ve worked hard to earn. Your plans might not come to fruition, but don’t lose hope. Don’t fear asking your friends and family for help when you’re down. They might help you get back on your feet.
- Catching Big Fish: When you catch a big fish in your dream, it implies that your life is about to change for the better. You will enjoy a healthier life and financial success.
- Catching Fish with Hand: The dream symbolizes success. The size of the fish caught will determine your success level. So, catching a big fish by hand means greater success. If the dream involves you wading out of the boat to catch the fish, it suggests that you depend on your abilities and courage to secure wealth.
- Catching Fish with Hook: You’re about to enjoy good things in life, thanks to your positive energy and attitude. However, you need to put in the work to make things happen.
Dream About Big Fish
Dreams about big fish point to your emotional state in the face of the negativity of the world. It’s crucial to remain calm and balanced when making heartfelt decisions.
This dream represents the harmony that exists between your judgment, authority and heart’s decisions. It signifies authority and implies you have developed more emotionally than others.
The big fish might also symbolize master energy, like a mentor who will direct you on the right path in life.
Dream About Koi Fish
In Japanese culture, Koi fish symbolizes courage and resilience, just like a samurai. It swims up rivers against the currents. The fish also symbolizes fertility, happiness, individuality, character, and strength.
If you see the Koi fish in your dream, it means you have the strength and courage to overcome whatever problems you’re currently facing. The dream also implies you will gain wealth and success in life.
Dream of About Fish Jumping Out of Water
Water plays an integral role in supporting all life. When something erratic happens in the water in your vision, it’s a sign of unexpected events taking place in your life.
Seeing a fish jumping out of the water could mean that you will have to deal with a new reality soon. You will experience a life-changing event that transforms your life for the better.
Dream of Eating Fish
This dream reflects your spirituality and energy. It also signifies good luck. However, this dream’s symbolism might vary depending on the size of the fish.
For instance, eating a smaller fish represents minor troubles and challenges. Dream of eating a bigger fish point to the quick accumulation of wealth, gaining profits, or new investment opportunities on the horizon.
If you see yourself eating raw fish in a dream, it implies you need to put more effort into the specifics of your plan.
Dead Fish Dream
Dreaming about dead fish is not a great experience. Such dreams show that you’re neglecting something important in your life. Maybe you’re not using your skills or talent to improve yourself. Or perhaps you don’t give your relationship the attention it deserves.
Through these dreams, your subconscious mind reminds you to save the things that have taken a backseat in your life before they die off. Make sure they’re part of your daily life again.
Dream About Fish in Fish Tank
Fish roam the ocean and lakes freely. However, when they’re placed in a tank, they might feel constricted. The tank restricts their movement and limits their freedom.
So, if you see a fish tank, the dream suggests that someone is in control of your life or holding you back. If that’s the case, consider taking control of your life. Also, get rid of people who mean you harm or hate your success.
- Fish Floating in Tank: You might dream of a fish floating in a tank if you recently had a breakthrough in your life. The breakthrough could relate to your spiritual life, career, health, or relationship.
- Dead Fish in Tank: If you see a dead fish in a tank, it could mean that you feel like you’re not in control of your life. For those in a relationship, this dream shows that your significant other will disappoint you. Because of this, you might have to re-evaluate your life choices. Such dreams could also indicate career problems and unresolved issues.
Dream of Saving Fish Out of Water
The dream relates to your creative side. It suggests you’re missing out on the opportunities to embrace and express your creativity.
The other possibility is that you’re not exploiting your skills, talents, and inspiration to the fullest. The dream shows the desire to save these parts of your psyche.
Dream of Fish Swimming
To interpret this dream, consider where the fish is swimming. If it’s swimming at a bedrock, chances are you will face a difficult situation soon. But if the fish is swimming near the surface of the ocean, sea, or lake, you’re heading towards success.
Seeing a colorful fish swimming could mean you’re tapping into your creative or artistic side. Similarly, lots of fish swimming represents abundance and prosperity.
Dream of Swimming with Fish
The dream shows that your relationship is in full bloom. If you’re single, it could mean that you will meet an amazing individual soon and fall in love.
In other cases, the dream symbolizes happiness and pleasant life experiences that could result from getting a new position, launching a business, etc. It also represents growth and prosperity in your waking life.
Dream of Cooking Fish
Not everything will work out as you plan. Prepare yourself to face some difficulties ahead. But no matter what, it’s crucial to have an open mind and a positive attitude so you can cope with your challenges successfully.
Dream of Cooked Fish
Dreaming about cooked fish could mean you need to eat more healthily or that you need more protein in your diet (fish is a great source of protein).
It can also mean that you need more sustenance from sources other than food–perhaps from other people in your life who are providing support and encouragement for you.
Dream of Frying (fried) Fish
There’s a high chance you will receive unexpected news or guests from afar. But that’s if you love the taste and aroma of the fish. If the fried fish disgusts you, the dream shows diseases and illnesses, especially those that infect the liver, lungs, or digestive system.
Dreaming of Flying Fish
If a flying fish appears in your dreamscape, it means you need balance and harmony in life.
The fish points out that perhaps you’ve set unrealistic goals for yourself. You need to focus on solving the challenges in your life first.
Overcoming your actual problems will pave the way for peace and happiness.
Similarly, the flying fish could stand for your feelings, thoughts, and action.
Dream About Buying Fish
Buying fish is a sign of a health problem. Maybe you or your family member suffer from an addiction or other medical issues, but keep ignoring it. The dream serves as a reminder to seek medical attention.
Besides that, the dream might suggest that your current behavior will cause you more harm than benefit. You need to focus on changing it to avoid any health issues. Alternatively, it could symbolize your greed, desire for more, and obsessions.
Dream of Feeding Fish
You might experience this dream if you are launching a big project or part of one. It’s a sign that things might not turn out as you planned. You might not achieve the results you desired.
Another probable explanation is that you might engage in tasks you don’t like, but you have to do them. The benefit of this is that you will learn the patience required to complete a variety of projects. So, in the end, you emerge the victor.
Dream of Blue/Black Fish
A black fish denotes the birth of a healthy baby boy, especially if the dreamer is pregnant. On the flip side, it signifies a loss of trust, grief, infidelity, and death.
If you dream of a bluefish, it means you’re sad, depressed, or in a bad mood. But there’s some light to this dream. Since it relates to how you feel about yourself, it can symbolize self-confidence and emotional strength.
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Bottom Line
As we wrap up, a fish dream reflects your emotional and spiritual state. It’s a sign of new beginnings, fertility, forgiveness, wealth, and prosperity. On the negative side, some fish dreams could mean loss of control, grief, and unresolved issues.
But remember, fish dreams are a mere reflection of your inner world. So, don’t take them literally. Interpret these dreams based on your relation to the aquatic animals, current challenges, and context of your dream. But don’t forget about the feeling and thought the dream evokes.
Sure, people have varying insights and judgments on how dreams related to their daily life. But you can use this dream guide to discover the plausible symbolism of your dream.